Aboriginal peoples in Canada

Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprise the First Nations,[2] Inuit[3] and Métis.[4] The descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" are falling into disuse in Canada.[5][6][7] Old Crow Flats and Bluefish Caves are some of the earliest archaeological sites of human habitation in Canada.[8] The Paleo-Indian Clovis, Plano cultures and Pre-Dorset pre-date American indigenous and Inuit cultures. Projectile point tools, spears, pottery, bangles, chisels and scrapers mark archaeological sites, thus distinguishing cultural periods, traditions and lithic reduction styles.

The characteristics of Canadian Aboriginal civilizations included permanent settlements,[9] agriculture,[10] civic and ceremonial architecture,[11] complex societal hierarchies and trading networks.[12] The Métis culture of mixed blood originated in the mid-17th century when First Nation and native Inuit married European settlers.[13] The Inuit had more limited interaction with European settlers during that early period.[14] Various laws, treaties, and legislation have been enacted between European immigrants and First Nations across Canada. Aboriginal Right to Self-Government provides opportunity to manage historical, cultural, political, health care and economic control aspects within first people's communities.